Danube Cycle Route - Following a river of legends

The Danube: songs have been written about it, composers have dedicated pieces of music to it and it has been the source of countless stories. Along the Danube Cycle Route it's easy to see why this mighty river has proven such an inspiration to so many.

Like every river, the Danube comes from small beginnings. It rises in Fürstenberg palace park in Donaueschingen only to seep underground at the Danube Sink on 150 days of the year. But it soon re-emerges before reaching Ulm, home to the world's tallest church tower, and picturesque Donauwörth, on the Romantic Road. It then passes through the spectacular Danube Gorge. In UNESCO World Heritage Regensburg, there are almost a thousand monuments in the old quarter. The German Danube route, part of the EuroVelo 6 European long-distance cycle route, ends in Passau.

Terrain: family-friendly route with few climbs, following the Danube in Germany from the source of the river to Passau. Although only asphalted in places, it is easy to ride on. Signposting is not standardised.

Scenery: the Danube passes through a number of picturesque backdrops such as the Black Forest, Swabian Alb and Upper Swabia, the Donauried basin, Franconian hills and the Bavarian Forest.

At a glance: Danube Cycle Route

Length: 609 km

Starts: Donaueschingen

Ends: Passau

Travel: (nearest city to - start| end):Freiburg 57 km | Passau

About the route: mainly flat, hilly in parts, easily managed by children, majority of route suitable for trailers